System and method for optimal viewing of computer monitors to minimize eyestrain

ABSTRACT

A system and method for helping ensure that a user of a computer is set up to optimally view the computer monitor under optimal conditions in order to minimize eyestrain. The system includes determining an optimal viewing distance and monitoring the distance of a user from the computer monitor during use of the computer. The system further includes notifying the user when they stray from the optimal viewing distance and further may include testing various aspects of the user&#39;s eyesight during use of the computer monitor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for helping ensurethat a user of a computer is properly positioned to view a monitor, andmore particularly, to systems and methods for helping ensure that a userof a computer is set up to optimally view the computer monitor underoptimal conditions.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A common problem of many computer users is that they often sit too closeto the computer monitor. This is especially true of young children. Itis well known that if one sits too close to the computer monitor, theeye will intently focus on what is many times a stationary image. Thiscan lead to eyestrain.

Additionally, many users sit too long in front of a computer withouttaking a break. This is true for many workers who must operate acomputer for almost the entire work day. It is often difficult toascertain when one has spent too much time in front of a computerwithout taking a break. Additionally, many times the lighting in theroom where the computer is located may not be optimal. This may lead toglare and other problems that also result in eyestrain.

Recent medical literature clearly shows an increase in eyestrain-relatedproblems, especially in children. Use of computers is rapidly growingamong children and improper use of computers is thought to be acontributing factor to the increase in eyestrain related problems inchildren.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a user of acomputer monitor determines a proper viewing distance. This may beaccomplished by an installation program that will ask the user to selecta viewing distance by displaying any one of a number of standard testpatterns and asking the user to identify them. The optimal viewingdistance would then be selected based upon the identification of thetest patterns and would preferably be slightly close than the farthestdistance at which the user can correctly identify the test pattern.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the userwill be notified when he is not at the proper viewing distance. This maybe accomplished by switching the computer monitor's display to a“screensaver” type program, sounding an alarm, or even turning off thecomputer monitor. A sensor may be provided for monitoring the actualdistance of the user. Preferably, the sensor would be “piggybacked” ontoan existing device, such as, for example, a keyboard or mouse, thus notrequiring any additional computer resources or requiring any othersource of electrical power.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,statistics about a user's viewing distance are recorded. This may beespecially useful in work situations where almost continuous use of thecomputer is anticipated. For example, there might be trend toward closerviewing as the length of time the computer is being used increases. Insuch a situation, this may indicate that a break is in order, and in apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the system, would sonotify the user.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, themeasured viewing distance may be used for a periodic test of the user'seyesight. For example, test patterns may be displayed and the user maybe “scored” at some predetermined fixed distance. If the user scores toolow on the tests, use of the computer may be inhibited.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thelevel of ambient light in the user's environment may be measured andsuggestions may be provided by the system to either increase or decreasethe amount of ambient light. In such an embodiment, a light level sensormay be incorporated into the system that would feed informationregarding the ambient light into the computer through the sharedinterface as previously discussed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, thesystem may determine “amplitude of accommodation,” which is the minimumdistance between the eye and a viewing surface below which the surfaceis blurry.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, auser may be presented with color tests and asked to respond to them.This may be done over a period of time to determine the user'sinterpretation of colors as use of the computer over the period of timeprogresses.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system monitorsthe number of times or rate at which an individual blinks their eyes.The individual may be viewing a monitor and with a sensor, the rate ofblinking of the eyes is monitored. By monitoring the rate at which theindividual blinks their eyes, or by monitoring the rate of changes in abaseline eye blink rate, early detection of visual fatigue is possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system in accordance with thepresent invention with a computer system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an internet-based model of asystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a circuit for a motherboard inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a possible arrangement of acontrol system for a system in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a possible arrangement of asystem 10 in accordance with the present invention. System 10 isdepicted as a computer system 11 including a computer monitor 12. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that other monitors will also benefitfrom the methods and system of the present invention. However, forsimplicity and clarity, a computer system will be used to describe thepresent invention.

System 10 further includes computer inputs, such as, for examplekeyboard 14 and mouse 15. System 10 further includes at least onedistance sensor 16. Preferably, distance sensor 16 is piggybacked with,for example, the keyboard or the mouse via a shared interface 17. Thus,the distance sensor does not take up additional computer resources orrequire any additional source of electrical power. More distance sensorsmay be used and may be arranged in various configurations as needed.

Distance sensor 16 may be one of any of well-known distance sensors inthe art. In a preferred embodiment, the use of echolocation with highfrequency sound waves is used. As stated previously, preferably,distance sensor 16 is piggybacked with an existing computer peripheralwith a shared interface. However, distance sensor 16 may be interfacedto the computer through its own interface port, such as, for example, anRS 232 serial port. Distance sensor 16 may be mounted on the monitorusing an adhesive tape attachment and aimed such that the spatial volumewhere the distance measurements are made extend from a point very closeto the monitor, for example, within 6 inches and extend out to what maybe considered the farthest practical viewing distance, for example, 36inches. Generally, optimal viewing distance is believed to beapproximately 18 to 21 inches from computer monitor 12. The distanceinformation from the sensor may be sampled, for example, once persecond, and such real-time distance data is then fed directly into thecomputer through the interface.

In an initial step, a user 20 determines their proper viewing distance.This may be accomplished with an installation program that will ask theuser to select a viewing distance. In a preferred embodiment, theoptimal viewing distance would be user specific for computers used bymore than one person. Preferably, the method includes displaying any oneof a number of standard test patterns that are known in the art andasking the user to identify them. Preferably the optimal viewingdistance is then set slightly closer then the farthest distance at whichthe user is able to correctly identify the test pattern.

System 10 will preferably-then notify user 20 when they are not at theproper viewing distance as measured by distance sensor 16. One way inwhich user 20 may be notified is by switching the display to a“screensaver” type of program when the user gets too close to thescreen. Preferably, the switching algorithm used to switch to thescreensaver would be intelligent and, for example, ignore momentaryinfrequent violations of distance limits. The type of screensaver may beselected by the user and, for example, may consist of a messageindicating that the user is too close or the image may consist of arelaxing image that is pleasant to view. In any event, normal use of thecomputer is suspended until the user returns to the proper viewingdistance or until sometime when it expires. If user 20 is a child, thescreensaver may be some type of gentle reminder to move back from thecomputer, either visual or auditory, or it may be done with animatedcharacters, or by motivation such as a game where the child receivespoints or a “gold star” if the proper viewing distance is maintained.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,statistics are recorded about user 20's viewing distance, as measured bydistance sensor 16. The statistics may then be monitored or analyzed inorder to determine if there is a trend toward closer viewing and thelength of time that the computer monitor is being viewed. Thisinformation may be used to indicate that a break is in order and,preferably, the system would notify user 20, for example, eithervisually or audibly.

Furthermore, the measured viewing distance may be used for a periodictest of the user's eyesight. This may be used by displaying testpatterns already known in the art similar to those used above fordetermining optimal viewing, and “scoring” the user at somepredetermined fixed distance. If user 20 scores too low on such a test,use of the computer may be inhibited. Additionally, in a preferredembodiment of the present invention, a light sensor 30 is provided thatmeasures the level of ambient light in the user's environment andprovides suggestions as to either increasing or decreasing the amount ofambient light. Light level sensor 30 may be incorporated into distancesensor 16 or may be a separate sensor all together. If it were aseparate sensor, light level sensor 30 once again would preferably bepiggybacked with another device in the system or may have a dedicatedinterface, such as, for example, an RS 232 serial port.

Additionally, system 10 preferably measures a user's “amplitude ofaccommodation,” which is generally defined as the minimum distancebetween the eye and a viewing surface below which the surface is blurry.Such a test for amplitude of accommodation preferably is performed byhaving the user lean forward until the screen becomes fuzzy. While theuser is at this distance where the screen has become fuzzy, the userclicks the mouse and the software measures the distance to the user viathe distance sensor 16. Such a test may be performed over a period oftime in order to determine the variance of the amplitude ofaccommodation over a period of time of use of the computer monitor.

In another embodiment of the present invention, system 10 performs colortesting of the user. User 20 is preferably presented with color tests,which are known in the art, and is asked to respond to them. As with theamplitude of accommodation test, this may be performed over a period oftime in order to determine the variance of the user's “interpretation”of colors over a period of time of use of the computer monitor.

System 10 also preferably monitors a user's number of times of blinking,or rate at which the user blinks their eyes. In such an embodiment,system 10 includes a small imaging sensor or camera 40 pointed at theuser's face. An image analysis and pattern recognition algorithm is usedto identify the user's face from other objects in a room, identify theeyes on the face and make a decision as to whether the eyes are open ornot. Small digital image sensors and powerful digital signal processingcircuitry is available to perform these functions and is well known inthe art. Performance of the system may be improved or made userspecific, for example, by having the computer user let the system takereference images of the face with their eyes both open and closed. Thesereference images then serve as templates in a pattern matchingalgorithm.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, system 10 includestesting or determining a user's visual acuity. Such testing, which maycommonly be referred to as rapid visual acuity testing (RVAT) would beuseful for determining the visual acuity of a user at the user's workingdistance from the computer monitor. The visual acuity may be monitoredperiodically in order to determine changes over a period of time. In apreferred embodiment, user 20 would sit at their normal working distanceat the computer and the screen would be blank except for arrows on anouter portion of the screen that act as indicators for a band or ring or“C.” The “C” appears on the screen as a 20/10 letter (i.e., a size of aletter that at 20 feet would appear to a user as being at 10 feet) andwould slowly increase in size, for example, 20/11, 20/12. 20/13, etc.,until first discernable by the user. At the point the user detects the“C,” the user clicks the mouse or the enter key. The progression of theC pauses and a message appear instructing the user to identify theposition of the C. If the answer is correct, the “C” is rotated randomlyin two more positions. If the individual again correctly identifies theorientation of the “C,” then the test is ended. Preferably, apredetermined amount of time, for example, up to five seconds for eachdecision, is provided.

By accurately knowing the distance of the eye from the computer, size ofthe “C” angular subtends, and the correct response, a software programwithin the computer will be able to calculate an individual's visualacuity. If improper responses are made, then the progression of size ofthe “C” slowly increases until the right answers are given.

By calculating the level of illumination, the testing of visual acuitymay be performed at the same level of light.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic illustration of an Internet based modelof the system in accordance with the present invention. A central website 50 is provided for receiving data 51 from a user at a local site 52that includes computer users. The computer user's data is sent to thecentral web site over the Internet and then forwarded to an analysislocation 53 that analyzes the user's data. The data analysis site alsoprovides a central web site international users' database 54 and sendsback analyses and recommendations regarding the user data to the centralweb site. The central web site then distributes the data analysis andrecommendations to a corporate ergonomic staff and/or users' OD 55 and,if desired, to the actual user itself.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a possible circuit for a motherboardthat would be included in a computer system that utilizes the presentinvention. FIG. 5 is an electronic block diagram of a possible controlsystem for a system in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention may also be used for vision testing in the homefor those patients who have recently undergone ocular surgery, requiremonitoring before surgery, are taking pharmaceuticals that may affecttheir vision, or have an ongoing medical problem that is vision related.

Preferably, the system resembles a laptop computer incorporating theappropriate hardware features plus a keyboard for user input and aremote input device for distance vision testing. The system alsopreferably includes a built-in modem configured to automatically accessa web site on the click of the mouse.

Software features preferably include user medical history, medications,and vision profiling, real time measurement of viewing distance whilevision testing, adjusting test pattern size relative to viewingdistance, recommendations for optimizing environmental lighting prior tovision testing, recording and tracking real time user vision performanceover time, and transmitting patient information and analysis to eyecareand/or medical doctor.

In the software, preferably an icon in the utility tray will beincorporated to activate onscreen directions, comments andrecommendations based upon the system's data analysis. Furthermore, thesoftware will preferably make productivity measurements by evaluatingtyping speed, mouse clicks, engagement time and errors. Additionally,the view size will preferably increase automatically, over time, basedupon collected parameters and analyzed data provided by the software.

The system preferably allows a patient's professional caregiver toprescribe the type and frequency of vision testing. Upon testcompletion, the patient plugs the device into a standard phone outlet totransmit the data to the web site where it is stored in the patient'sfile and transmitted either by e-mail or fax to their doctor(s).

Preferably, the system includes three or more light meters in order todetermine the source of multi-directional light relative to the user.This will allow for the analysis of glare. Preferably, one separateattachable sensor will be used to measure various parameters of themonitor screen.

Preferably, the system will include sensors to measure ambient noise,temperature and humidity. Such information will allow for properoperation of the equipment and also allow for the analysis to take intoaccount the effects of these conditions.

While the system has been described throughout with the use of software,in an alternative embodiment, the system will be in communication with acentral website. Such communication may be provided, for example, viathe Internet. The website would thus control the system and variousparameters may be automatically changed within the system as directedfrom the website, such as, for example, the viewer distance from themonitor.

The system also preferably includes a leveling device for properpositioning of the individual in front of the computer. LEDs may beincorporated into the system in order to determine the correct viewingangle for the individual.

Additionally, the system preferably includes a mechanical apparatussituated under a user's monitor or incorporated into a user's desk. Theapparatus automatically moves the computer monitor (including flat paneldisplays) in a forward or backward direction to adjust for accommodativeand visual changes of the user throughout the day. The image size orview size on the user's screen will also adjust automatically inaccordance with the direction of monitor display movement. Themechanical apparatus also preferably will control the height of themonitor and the viewing angle of the monitor.

In some embodiments, the position of the monitor in one, two or threedimensions is controlled to reduce eyestrain, improve viewing, relax orexercise head, neck or other muscles or relieve or ameliorate strain onmuscles. The position might be changed to an identified optimal positionor might change among several positions to provide variability orexercise of selected muscles or reduction of strain on body parts.

1. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user, the systemcomprising: a display used by the user for performance of a task; and afirst sensor positioned relative to the display and being a distancesensor or a light sensor.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising acommunication link between the system and a computer system accessibleusing a hypertext protocol.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thedisplay is selected from the group consisting of a CRT monitor, an LCDmonitor and a flat panel.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the firstsensor is incorporated into a bezel of the display or a structuresupporting the display.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising atleast three light sensors positioned relative to the display todetermine a source of multidirectional light.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the first sensor includes a camera or imaging sensor.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the camera or imaging sensor is capable ofmonitoring blink rate of the user.
 8. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a computer coupled for processing inputs from the firstsensor.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cable couplingthe first sensor to other portions of the system.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first sensor is positioned to monitor the display.11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is positioned on topof the display.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a remoteinput device coupled to other portions of the system. 13-14. (canceled)15. A method for determining a viewing distance between a user and adisplay, comprising: positioning the user in front of the display toperform a task using the display; providing a distance sensor to measurea viewing distance between the distance sensor and the user; andreceiving an analysis of the measurement.
 16. A method for determining aviewing distance between a user and a display, comprising: positioningthe user in front of the display to perform a task using the display;providing a distance sensor to measure a viewing distance between thedistance sensor and the user; receiving an analysis of the measurement;and providing a light sensor to measure ambient light near the user. 17.A method for determining a viewing distance between a user and adisplay, comprising: providing a distance sensor to measure a viewingdistance between the distance sensor and the user while the userperforms a task using the display; providing a software program thataccepts input from the distance sensor of a measured distance; andproviding a software program that notifies the user of the measureddistance.
 18. A method for determining a light setting for a user usinga display, comprising: positioning the user in front of the display toperform a task using the display; providing a light sensor to measurelight near the user; and receiving an analysis of the light measurement.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprisessuggesting a change in light amount near the display.
 20. A method fordetermining a recommended viewing distance for a user using a display,the method comprising: presenting a test pattern on the display;positioning the user in front of the display; displaying a query on thedisplay; accepting a response to the query; and displaying after theresponse a suggestion regarding recommended viewing distance.
 21. Amethod for testing a user's vision using a display, comprising:positioning the user in front of the display to perform a task using thedisplay; displaying a test pattern on the display for testing visionaccording to a test selected from the group consisting of an acuitytest, a color test, a test for amplitude of accommodation and a test forvisual field defect; selecting a result of the selected test; andreceiving an analysis of the result.
 22. A system for monitoring the useof a display by a user, comprising: a display used by the user forperformance of a task; and a first sensor positioned close to thedisplay and being a distance sensor or a light sensor; and a secondsensor positioned relative to the display and distinct from the firstsensor.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the second sensor isselected from the group consisting of a distance sensor, a noise sensor,a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a light sensor.
 24. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein the second sensor is incorporated into thefirst sensor.
 25. The system of claim 22, wherein the first sensor is adistance sensor and the second sensor is a light sensor.
 26. A systemfor monitoring the use of a display by a user using the display forperformance of a task, the system comprising: a display; a first sensorpositioned close to the display and being a distance sensor or a lightsensor; a second sensor positioned relative to the display and distinctfrom the first sensor; and a third sensor positioned relative to thedisplay and distinct from the first sensor and distinct from the secondsensor.
 27. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user usingthe display for performance of a task, the system comprising: a display;a first sensor positioned close to the display; and three light sensorspositioned relative to the display to determine a source ofmultidirectional light relative to the user.
 28. A system for monitoringthe use of a display by a user using the display for performance of atask, the system comprising: a display; a first sensor positioned closeto the display and being a distance sensor or a light sensor; and asoftware program coupled for processing inputs from the first sensor.29. The system of claim 28, wherein the first sensor is a distancesensor and the software program includes program instructions fordetermining a user's viewing distance from an output of the distancesensor.
 30. The system of claim 28, wherein the software programincludes program instructions for accepting sensor inputs representingdistance and light measurements over time.
 31. The system of claim 28,wherein the software program includes program instructions for acceptinginputs from one input source selected from the group consisting of asensor, a mouse and a keyboard.
 32. A system for monitoring the use of adisplay by a user using the display for performance of a task, thesystem comprising: a display; a first sensor positioned close to thedisplay and being a distance sensor or a light sensor, and a softwareprogram coupled for processing inputs from the first sensor and fordisplaying a test pattern on the display.
 33. The system of claim 32,wherein the test pattern is for at least one test selected from thegroup consisting of a visual acuity test, a visual field test, anamplitude of accommodation test, and a color sensitivity test.
 34. Asystem for monitoring the use of a display by a user using the displayfor performance of a task, the system comprising: a display; a firstsensor positioned close to the display and being a distance sensor or alight sensor; a second sensor positioned relative to the display anddistinct from the first sensor; and a software program coupled forprocessing inputs from the first sensor and for displaying a testpattern on the display.
 35. A system for monitoring the use of a displayby a user using the display for performance of a task, the systemcomprising: a display; a first sensor positioned close to the displayand being a distance sensor or a light sensor; a second sensorpositioned relative to the display and distinct from the first sensor, athird sensor positioned relative to the display and distinct from thefirst sensor and distinct from the second sensor; and a software programcoupled for processing inputs from at least the first sensor and fordisplaying a test pattern on the display.